# mainstream

**Pronunciation:** /ˈmeɪnˌstriːm/ · MAIN-streem

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** adjective

## Meaning 1: Society

Belonging to or characteristic of the most usual, typical, or accepted style, thought, or activity of a group or society.

## Examples

- The film was criticized for being too mainstream and lacking originality.
- His political views were considered too radical for the mainstream.
- The company is trying to appeal to a more mainstream audience with its new product line.

## Meaning 2: Noun

The main current or direction of a body of water.

## Examples

- We drifted into the mainstream of the river.
- The boat was caught in the strong mainstream and quickly carried downstream.
- Scientists study the Gulf Stream, a major ocean mainstream.

## Meaning 3: Verb

To integrate or incorporate into the main body or into the prevailing current of thought or activity.

## Examples

- The school is working to mainstream students with disabilities.
- The company aims to mainstream its new technology across all departments.
- Efforts are being made to mainstream these ideas into public policy.

## Synonyms

- conventional — Following accepted norms and standards.
- orthodox — Adhering strictly to established beliefs or practices.
- popular — Liked or approved by many people.
- commonplace — Ordinary or usual.

## Antonyms

- unconventional — Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.
- niche — Appealing to a small, specialized section of the population.
- fringe — Relating to or on the extreme outer edge of a group or system.

## Common patterns

- mainstream media — The most widely circulated or influential news and entertainment organizations. — The scandal was widely reported by the mainstream media.
- mainstream culture — The dominant set of beliefs, practices, and values of a society. — Her fashion sense was always on the edge of mainstream culture.
- mainstream appeal — The quality of being attractive or interesting to a large number of people. — The film had surprising mainstream appeal despite its dark themes.

## Collocations

- mainstream media — The story was picked up by the mainstream media.
- mainstream culture — His music gradually became part of the mainstream culture.
- mainstream appeal — The artist's latest work has broad mainstream appeal.

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